Coventry captain Cliffie Hodgson is determined to overcome an injury scare and play in Saturday’s home game against Loughborough Students.

The record-breaking full-back limped off after 16 minutes of last week’s win at Blackheath – and admits that watching from the sidelines is an experience he is not in a hurry to repeat.

“I always find it nerve-wracking just watching – I’d much rather be out on the field with the guys,” said Hodgson who, last season’s leading points scorer in National League One with a club record 372, has already accumulated another 180 this term.

“I caught my kicking ankle in between two guys’ legs and twisted it badly – I was planning on going back on, but it wasn't right and with the squad we have got we have a lot of depth, so it wasn’t necessary to risk it.

“It was a weird feeling to be standing on the side and it was difficult for me. But I went to the gym on Monday morning and it has settled down really nicely, and I think I should be able to play on Saturday – I’ve played before with worse injuries.”

Hodgson was at least in a perfect position to appreciate Cov’s overall performance as they scored three tries in the final quarter to beat Blackheath 36-12 and take their winning run to eleven games.

“The guys stayed calm and I was really pleased with the professional manner in which we closed the game down,” he said.

“We said before that it would probably take 60 minutes or so to wear them down. We threw everything at them and, to be fair, they defended very well, but we stuck to our task.

“It’s all coming together – we’ve learned from games like that which before have not gone right for us, and that’s the key thing.

“Winning brings confidence, which is high at the moment – we’re trying to go week to week, and we know what we have got to do to get the wins.

“We have got a talented squad of players who are pushing each other in training, and that’s really enjoyable.

“It is possible for us to go through the rest of the season unbeaten, and I think that is what will be required – if you look at the teams above us, Ealing and Rosslyn Park are not going to lose too many.

“But we’re more than capable of doing it – we just have to put our minds to it and really rock up.”

A feature of Cov’s winning run – their best in league rugby – has been a settled back division with changes kept to a minimum.

“We’ve been pretty lucky in the back line with continuity and especially Rob Knox coming in at 12 and playing the way he is,” said Hodgson. “He’s been phenomenal.

“The back three have been pretty much together all season with Dan Rundle making an impact when he has come in, and the half-backs are gelling really well. It’s probably the most I’ve played in a season in a back line without it changing.”

Fresh legs will also be available to Cov going into the New Year as their injury list continues to clear

No.8 Jacques Le Roux, missing since the first game of the season, returned to action for Broadstreet last week along with Brett Daynes, while Roan van Heerden came off the bench for the last quarter at Blackheath.

“Jacques came through all right which is really pleasing for us,” said Hodgson. “His Achilles was fine and that’s awesome news for us.

“He can only add to the squad, and with Roan and Brett playing again, they can bring a new energy to the team and really lift us.

“We’ve got one more game before Christmas, it’s important to get the win and keep the momentum going, and then we can have a little festive break and come back ready to take things on in the New Year.”